What we’re reading: Boeing delivers JAL’s first two 787s, Delta expands service from LGA, fines for passengers who don’t turn off cellphones?

Boeing celebrates delivery of Japan Airlines’ first two 787 Dreamliners

On Monday, Boeing and Japan Air Lines celebrated delivery of the airline’s first two 787s.

JAL is the first airline to take delivery of a 787 powered by fuel-efficient General Electric GEnx engines.

“Today is an important moment in our 60-year relationship with Japan Airlines as we celebrate the deliveries of not one, but two Dreamliners,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 will provide the fuel-efficient airplane needed to serve Japan Airlines’ growing international operations.”

Delta launches historic new jet service from LaGuardia

On Sunday, Delta launched 11 new flights from New York’s LaGuardia airport, the largest expansion at the airport in more than four decades.

Service from LaGuardia to a 12th new city begins Monday.

The new flights are part of a major expansion by Delta in New York to create a domestic hub in the busiest aviation market in the world. The airline will increase service at LaGuardia by 60 percent, with 100 new flights and 26 new destinations in spring and summer 2012. When its full schedule is implemented, Delta will operate more than 260 daily flights between LaGuardia and more than 60 cities, exceeding any other carrier.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey wants passengers who don’t turn off their cellphones before takeoff to pay or go to court.

The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Monday the agency is considering levying fines that could reach tens of thousands of dollars for behavior that causes flight delays.

“We think that with the economic costs of delays and with the passenger inconvenience and the effect on our airports’ ability to serve 100 million passengers a year, it’s the right thing to do,” Pat Foye said.

The FAA has issued guidance to airlines letting passengers turn on most PEDs after the plane reaches 10,000 feet. At a lower altitude, any potential interference could be more of a safety hazard as the cockpit crew focuses on critical arrival and departure duties.”

I’m not so sure the Port Authority of NY/NJ has the power to fine anyone over an FAA (read that Federal Regulation) regulation, however it is an FAA regulation, not just an airline rule.

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